SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the association between the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and plasma zinc in women with fibroadenoma. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 37 premenopausal women with fibroadenoma. Waist circumference and body mass index of the participants were measured. Plasma zinc concentrations were determined using atomic flame absorption spectrophotometry. Fragments of breast tissue were fixed and incubated with primary mouse monoclonal antibodies (monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -2 -507 and monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -9-439). Semi-quantitative analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 immunoreactivity was performed. Spearman’s test and Friedman’s test were used for statistical analyses. The p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 32.81±9.51 years. The body mass index and waist circumference values were within the normal range. The mean plasma zinc concentration was 42.73±13.84 µg/dL, with 94.6% inadequacy. A statistically significant difference was found between the positive expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (p=0.0184). There was no significant correlation between the matrix metalloproteinase expression and the plasma zinc levels. CONCLUSIONS: Women with fibroadenoma had hypozincemia and positive expression of metalloproteinases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between rs17576 (MMP-9) polymorphism and increased cancer risk in a Brazilian breast cancer cohort. METHODS: This study included 141 women (71 breast cancer patients and 70 controls without breast cancer) who donated 3 mL of their peripheral blood for genomic DNA extraction. This DNA was then genotyped using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The AG (rs17576) genotype was identified in 26 (18.43%) participants in the case group and in 22 (15.60%) participants in the control group (p=0.274), while the GG genotype was identified in ten (7.09%) participants in the case group and in one (0.70%) participant in the control group (p<0.003 - OR (95% CI) 13.13 (1.73, 593.08). No significant difference in the incidence rates was observed for AG or GG rs17576 genotypes in premenopausal women, p=0.813 and p=0.556, respectively. However, in postmenopausal women, the AG genotype was shown to occur in 14 (22.5%) participants in the case group and in 4 (6.45%) participants in the control (p<0.043), while GG genotype occurred in eight (12.90%) of the individuals in the case group and in none of the individuals in the control group (p<0.006). CONCLUSION: In this study, the MMP-9 rs17576 GG polymorphic variant was shown to be significantly associated with breast cancer risk in premenopausal women, while the AG and GG genotypes were associated with increased cancer risk in postmenopausal women.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a bridge for transmission of pathogens from high-risk to general populations. We assessed the epidemiological status of syphilis in FSWs along the Pará highway system. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two FSWs were interviewed and samples were analyzed using rapid qualitative tests and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The prevalence of syphilis was high (36.94%). The high rate of prostitution, use of illicit drugs, and search for financial resources increased Treponema pallidum transmission through unprotected sex. CONCLUSIONS: Several characteristics of FSWs were identified, which reinforce the need for measures guaranteeing their health and protection.

RESUMO A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é uma desordem endócrina heterogênea com prevalência variável, que afeta cerca de uma em cada 15 mulheres no mundo. O diagnóstico da SOP requer, pelo menos, dois dos seguintes critérios: oligo-ovulação e/ou anovulação, evidência clínica e/ou bioquímica de hiperandrogenemia e morfologia dos ovários policísticos. As mulheres com SOP parecem ter um risco mais elevado de desenvolver distúrbios metabólicos, hipertensão e doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo deste artigo foi apresentar uma revisão da literatura por meio de pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo, focada em publicações relacionadas com ovários policísticos, incluindo patogênese, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e aspectos terapêuticos, bem como associação com doenças cardiovasculares e hipertensão arterial.

SUMMARY Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder with variable prevalence, affecting about one in every 15 women worldwide. The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome requires at least two of the following criteria: oligoovulation and/or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism and morphology of polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS appear to have a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this article was to present a review of the literature by searching the databases Pubmed and Scielo, focusing on publications related to polycystic ovaries, including its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects, as well as its association with cardiovascular and arterial hypertensive disorders.

Gliomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system neoplasm. Astrocytomas are the most prevalent type of glioma and these tumors may be influenced by sex steroid hormones. A literature review for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas was conducted in the PubMed database using the following MeSH terms: “estrogen receptor beta” OR “estrogen receptor alpha” OR “estrogen receptor antagonists” OR “progesterone receptors” OR “astrocytoma” OR “glioma” OR “glioblastoma”. Among the 111 articles identified, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria. The majority of reports showed the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas. Overall, higher tumor grades were associated with decreased estrogen receptor expression and increased progesterone receptor expression.

O tecido adiposo branco (WAT) é considerado um órgão endócrino, que, em excesso, é capaz de controlar o metabolismo, pela ação de moléculas biologicamente ativas. A produção desregulada destas substâncias pela disfunção do tecido adiposo pode contribuir para as complicações presentes na obesidade. As pesquisas atuais têm esclarecido fatores e mecanismos envolvidos na atuação de substâncias pró e anti-inflamatórias na modulação da inflamação e da resistência à insulina. Em indivíduos obesos, as moléculas pró-inflamatórias produzidas pelo tecido adiposo têm sido implicadas como fator contribuinte para o desenvolvimento da resistência à insulina e aumento do risco de doença cardiovascular. Por outro lado, as moléculas com ação anti-inflamatória, que atuam na melhora da sensibilidade à insulina, têm sua produção reduzida. O desequilíbrio entre essas substâncias contribui de forma significativa para as desordens metabólicas presente em indivíduos obesos. Assim, esta revisão visa a trazer informações atualizadas sobre a atuação de moléculas secretadas pelo tecido adiposo.

White adipose tissue (WAT) is considered an endocrine organ. When present in excess, WAT can influence metabolism via biologically active molecules. Following unregulated production of such molecules, adipose tissue dysfunction results, contributing to complications associated with obesity. Previous studies have implicated pro- and anti-inflammatory substances in the regulation of inflammatory response and in the development of insulin resistance. In obese individuals, pro-inflammatory molecules produced by adipose tissue contribute to the development of insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, the molecules with anti-inflammatory action, that have been associated with the improvement of insulin sensitivity, have your decreased production. Imbalance of these substances contributes significantly to metabolic disorders found in obese individuals. The current review aims to provide updated information regarding the activity of biomolecules produced by WAT.

Introduction: The accumulation of visceral fat affects the metabolism of hormones and some nutrients, but these mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: To assess the influence of cortisol on the metabolism of zinc in morbidly obese women. Method: Cross-sectional, case-control study involving 80 women aged between 20 and 59 years. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental (morbidly obese, n = 40) and control (normal weight, n = 40). Zinc concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and serum and urinary cortisol by chemiluminescence method. Results: Zinc intake was significantly different between groups. Mean plasma zinc was lower in obese compared to control group. Mean values for erythrocyte zinc were 44.52 ± 7.84 μg/gHb and 40.17 ± 6.71 μg/gHb for obese and control groups, respectively. Urinary excretion of this mineral was higher in obese compared to control subjects (p < 0.05). Mean values for plasma cortisol were 9.58 ± 4.86 μg/dL for obese and 9.89 ± 5.61 μg/dL for control groups. Mean values for urinary cortisol were 163.00 ± 100.35 μg/dL and 109.71 ± 34.88 μg/dL for obese and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05). The correlation analysis between cortisol and zinc was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Obese patients have hypozincemia and high erythrocyte zinc levels. The correlation between zinc parameters and cortisol concentration showed no influence of this hormone on zinc metabolism.

Introducción: El acumulo de grasa visceral compromete el metabolismo de hormonas y de algunos nutrientes, sin embargo, esos mecanismos aún no están esclarecidos. Objetivos: Evaluar la influencia del cortisol sobre el metabolismo del zinc en mujeres obesas mórbidas. Métodos: Estudio transversal, caso-control, envolviendo 80 mujeres, en la faja etaria entre 20 y 59 años. Las participantes fueron distribuidas en dos grupos: experimental (obesas mórbidas, n = 40) y control (eutróficas, n = 40). Las concentraciones de zinc fueron determinadas por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y el cortisol sérico y urinario, por quimioluminiscencia. Resultados: La ingestión de zinc reveló diferencia significativa entre los grupos estudiados. Los valores medios de zinc plasmáticos fueron inferiores en las obesas cuando fueron comparadas al grupo control. El promedio de zinc eritrocítico fue de 44,52 ± 7,84 μg/gHb e de 40,17 ± 6,71 μg/gHb para las obesas y control, respectivamente. La excreción urinaria de este mineral fue superior en las obesas cuando comparadas al control (p < 0,05). Los valores medios del cortisol sérico fueron de 9,58 ± 4,86 μg/dL para las obesas y de 9,89 ± 5,61 μg/dL para el control. Las medias de cortisol urinario fueron de 163,00 ± 100,35 μg/dL e de 109,71 ± 34,88 μg/dL para obesas y control, respectivamente (p > 0,05). El análisis de correlación entre el cortisol y el zinc no fue significativo. Conclusiones: las pacientes obesas presentan hypozincemia y elevada concentración de zin eritrocítico. La correlación entre los parámetros de zinc y las concentraciones de cortisol no demuestran influencia de esta hormona sobre el metabolismo del mineral.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os tipos de alimentos veiculados em propagandas da televisão aberta brasileira durante a programação infantil. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo com avaliação do conteúdo das propagandas veiculadas entre 08h00 min e 18h00 min em três emissoras brasileiras de televisão de canal aberto (A, B e C). A coleta de dados foi realizada durante 10 dias de semana e finais de semana. As propagandas de alimentos foram classificadas segundo os grupos alimentares do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira e obteve-se a exposição anual às propagandas de alimentos, considerando a média nacional de exposição de crianças a cinco horas diárias à televisão. Os testes χ2 ou Exato de Fisher foram conduzidos no intuito de identificar as diferenças do conteúdo das propagandas televisivas nos turnos manhã e tarde e entre as emissoras. RESULTADOS: Foram gravadas 126 horas de programação, totalizando 1.369 propagandas, sendo 13,8% de alimentos. Verificou-se predominância de anúncio de produtos pertencentes aos grupos dos "açúcares e doces" (48,1%) e "óleos, gorduras e sementes oleaginosas" (29,1%). Observou-se maior publicidade dos alimentos no período da tarde (15,7%; manhã: 12,2%; p = 0,037). Ademais, a emissora de maior audiência foi a que mais veiculou propagandas de alimentos (A: 63,5%; B: 12,2%; C: 24,3%), sobretudo alimentos ricos em açúcares e doces (A: 59,2%; B: 43,5%; C: 21,7%). Por fim, obteve-se média de exposição anual de crianças brasileiras a 2.737,5 propagandas de alimentos, sendo 2.106,3 ricos em açúcares e gorduras. CONCLUSÃO: A publicidade de alimentos se concentra em produtos pobres nutricionalmente, denotando a necessidade de estratégias de intervenção específicas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the content of television food advertising on Brazilian 'free-to-air' broadcast stations during children's programming. METHODS: This is a descriptive study which evaluated the content of food advertising between 08:00 a.m. and 06:00 p.m. on three Brazilian 'free-to-air' broadcast stations (A, B and C). Data collection was performed during 10 week days and weekends. Food advertising was organized according to the food group classification from the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. The annual exposure to food advertising was obtained considering the national children average exposure to television of five daily hours. The χ2 and Fisher's exact test were conducted in order to identify differences in the content of television advertising in the morning and in the afternoon and between broadcast stations. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty six hours of programming were recorded, totalizing 1,369 commercials - 13.8% of food. There was major participation of 'sugars and sweets' (48.1%) and 'oils and fats' (29.1%) among food advertising and much food publicity in the afternoon (15.7%; morning: 12.2%, p = 0.037). Moreover, the broadcast with more audience was the one that advertised more food (A: 63.5%; B: 12.2%; C: 24.3%), especially 'sugar and sweets' (A: 59.2%; B: 43.5%; C: 21.7%). Finally, an annual average exposure to 2,735.5 commercials was obtained for Brazilian children, totalizing 2,106.3 of food rich in sugar and fat publicity. CONCLUSION: Food advertising is focused on poor nutritionally food, emphasizing the need for specific intervention strategies.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os tipos de alimentos veiculados em propagandas da televisão aberta brasileira durante a programação infantil. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo com avaliação do conteúdo das propagandas veiculadas entre 08h00 min e 18h00 min em três emissoras brasileiras de televisão de canal aberto (A, B e C). A coleta de dados foi realizada durante 10 dias de semana e finais de semana. As propagandas de alimentos foram classificadas segundo os grupos alimentares do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira e obteve-se a exposição anual às propagandas de alimentos, considerando a média nacional de exposição de crianças a cinco horas diárias à televisão. Os testes χ2 ou Exato de Fisher foram conduzidos no intuito de identificar as diferenças do conteúdo das propagandas televisivas nos turnos manhã e tarde e entre as emissoras. RESULTADOS: Foram gravadas 126 horas de programação, totalizando 1.369 propagandas, sendo 13,8% de alimentos. Verificou-se predominância de anúncio de produtos pertencentes aos grupos dos "açúcares e doces" (48,1%) e "óleos, gorduras e sementes oleaginosas" (29,1%). Observou-se maior publicidade dos alimentos no período da tarde (15,7%; manhã: 12,2%; p = 0,037). Ademais, a emissora de maior audiência foi a que mais veiculou propagandas de alimentos (A: 63,5%; B: 12,2%; C: 24,3%), sobretudo alimentos ricos em açúcares e doces (A: 59,2%; B: 43,5%; C: 21,7%). Por fim, obteve-se média de exposição anual de crianças brasileiras a 2.737,5 propagandas de alimentos, sendo 2.106,3 ricos em açúcares e gorduras. CONCLUSÃO: A publicidade de alimentos se concentra em produtos pobres nutricionalmente, denotando a necessidade de estratégias de intervenção específicas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the content of television food advertising on Brazilian 'free-to-air' broadcast stations during children's programming. METHODS: This is a descriptive study which evaluated the content of food advertising between 08:00 a.m. and 06:00 p.m. on three Brazilian 'free-to-air' broadcast stations (A, B and C). Data collection was performed during 10 week days and weekends. Food advertising was organized according to the food group classification from the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. The annual exposure to food advertising was obtained considering the national children average exposure to television of five daily hours. The χ2 and Fisher's exact test were conducted in order to identify differences in the content of television advertising in the morning and in the afternoon and between broadcast stations. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty six hours of programming were recorded, totalizing 1,369 commercials - 13.8% of food. There was major participation of 'sugars and sweets' (48.1%) and 'oils and fats' (29.1%) among food advertising and much food publicity in the afternoon (15.7%; morning: 12.2%, p = 0.037). Moreover, the broadcast with more audience was the one that advertised more food (A: 63.5%; B: 12.2%; C: 24.3%), especially 'sugar and sweets' (A: 59.2%; B: 43.5%; C: 21.7%). Finally, an annual average exposure to 2,735.5 commercials was obtained for Brazilian children, totalizing 2,106.3 of food rich in sugar and fat publicity. CONCLUSION: Food advertising is focused on poor nutritionally food, emphasizing the need for specific intervention strategies.

Publicidad de los alimentos y la exposición a la televisión: Influencia sobre la conducta alimentaria y el estado nutricional de los niños y adolescentes. El estudio objetivó evaluar la influencia de la publicidad de alimentos y la exposición a la televisión en la conducta alimentaria y estado nutricional de niños y adolescentes. El estudio es transversal con 116 estudiantes de una escuela privada en Brasil. Información sociodemográfica y de la condición de salud fueron evaluadas. Antropometria, el consumo de alimentos, practica de actividad física, hábitos de ver la televisión y el comportamiento en relación con la publicidad de alimentos también fueron investigados. Entre los resultados, una relación de 1:2 fue identificada entre el número de televisores por hogar y los residentes. El exceso de peso estaba presente en 25,8% de los sujetos y 66,4% de ellos veían la televisión mientras comían las refecciones. Los niños fueron expuestos a la televisión por un promedio de 3,0 horas al día (95% IC: 2,9-3,6). Se observó una asociación directa entre la atracción de los alimentos anunciados y la compra del producto (p<0,001) y una relación positiva entre el número de televisores por hogar y el peso corporal (r=0,246; p=0,015) y la cantidad de liquido consumido durante las refecciones (r=0,277; p=0,013). Los resultados presentó la asociación entre ver la televisión mientras se alimenta y la probabilidad de reducción del consumo de frutas (p=0,032), en contraste con una mayor probabilidad de consumo de jugo artificial (p=0,039). En conclusión, ver la televisión en demasiado se asocia con una menor probabilidad de consumo diario de frutas y el numero de televisores en el hogar se relaciona positivamente con el índice de masa corporal.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of food advertising and television exposure on eating behaviour and nutritional status of children and adolescents. It was a cross sectional study developed among 116 students from a private school in Brazil. Socio-demographic and health conditions were evaluated. Anthropometric data, food consumption, physical activity, television viewing habits and behaviour in relation to food advertising were also investigated. Among the results, a 1:2 relationship was identified between the number of televisions and residents per household. Excessive weight was present in 25.8% of subjects and 66.4% of children watched television while eating. Children were exposed to television for a median of 3.0 hours daily (95% CI: 2.9 to 3.6). There was a direct association between attraction to foods advertised and purchasing the product (p<0.001) and a positive relationship between the number of televisions per household and body weight (r=0.246, p=0.015) and the amount of liquid consumed during meals (r=0.277, p=0.013). Findings also highlighted the association between watching television while eating and the reduced probability of fruit consumption (p=0.032), contrasted with a greater likelihood of daily artificial juice intake (p=0.039). In conclusion, watching television is associated with lower probability of daily consumption of fruits and the number of television at household is positively related to BMI in children and adolescents.